Each year, FirstEnergy awards competitive grants to educators and leaders of youth groups to fund math, science, and technology education projects. Teachers and youth leaders in areas where FirstEnergy has facilities or provides service are eligible to apply for up to $500.

They’re specifically looking for projects that focus on electricity, but other math/science/technology projects are also eligible. Preference is given to one-time, one-year projects that improve, advance, and enrich student learning.

While the grants can’t be used to purchase equipment, fund ongoing projects, or provide stipends, they can be used to pay for outside experts, field trips, or consumable supplies.

Interested educators should obtain an application from the FirstEnergy web site and submit it no later than Monday, September 22, 2008.

Full disclosure: As part of the FirstEnergy Educational Advisory Council for Ohio, I will be participating in the selection process for these grant awards. I DO NOT want to know about your projects ahead of time. I should also point out that I own a miniscule amount of FirstEnergy stock.